Community tree-lighting events in Somerville, Hunterdon, illuminate hope, remembrance this holiday season

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Jenna Intersimone, @JIntersimone

The lights on a Christmas tree are a pleasurable sight for many. But for others, those lights can bring memories of pain and sadness.

This week, two Central Jersey organizations in Somerville and Raritan Township conducted tree-lighting ceremonies aimed at helping people remember what is good in their lives as well as honor those who have supported them through difficult times.

Community Care Hospice, an affiliate of Community Visiting Nurse Association, conducted its annual ...more

Community Care Hospice, an affiliate of Community Visiting Nurse Association, conducted its annual “Light Up A Life” tree lighting on Tuesday evening, Dec. 4, on the front lawn of the agency in Somerville.

Photo courtesy Community Care Hospice

Community Care Hospice in Somerville

Community Care Hospice, an affiliate of Community Visiting Nurse Association, conducted its annual “Light Up A Life” tree lighting on Tuesday evening, Dec. 4, on the front lawn of the agency in Somerville. The ceremony was attended by families and friends of individuals who have received care and support from Community Care Hospice, according to a news release.

Members of the hospice staff shared readings and prayers and song was provided by the Somerville High School Choir. The ceremony was followed by a small reception.

“Light up A Life” is a nationally recognized hospice campaign where a tree is lit in memory of, or in living tribute to loved ones and friends.

Donations help to support the mission of Community Care Hospice to help individuals and their families who are faced with a life-limiting illness. This affiliate has served Somerset, Middlesex, Warren, and Union counties since 1948. A donation, in any amount, enables a loved one to be remembered with a personalized ribbon which is placed on the tree in their honor.

This year’s tree in Somerville had about 100 ribbons honoring the loved ones of those who have died.

Community Care Hospice provides care through an interdisciplinary team of are givers including a medical director, registered nurses, social workers, a chaplain, home health aides, and volunteers who work together to promote comfort for those facing a life-threatening illness. Donations enable the hospice program to help those in need.

Lights of Love at Hunterdon Medical Center

The Hunterdon Medical Center Auxiliary hosted the 31st annual Lights of Love Tree Lighting Ceremony at the hospital in Raritan Township on Wednesday , Dec. 5. Dozens of family members, friends and hospital staff gathered as the three-story tree was lit up as the afternoon turned to evening.

The event included presentations by hospital staff, including the hospital chaplain, who reminded attendees that for some, the holidays can be difficult times as they remember people who died or left their lives. This tree is one way that these memories can be lit up a more positive way.

The event included entertainment provided by The Star Maker School and Crossroads, as well as a holiday cookie sale to benefit Briteside Adult Day Center. The auxiliary also had hand-painted ornaments for sale created by The Brushing Violets.

The Lights of Love ceremony has been a time-honored tradition at the medical center. For 31 years, a tree has been illuminated with thousands of shining lights, each represent gifting received from donors all over the country to honor or memorialize people who have touched their lives in a special way.

This year's Lights of Love lead sponsor was Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home.

Proceeds from this event support a variety of programs which allow Hunterdon Healthcare to continue providing healthcare for the Hunterdon community and the surrounding areas.

For more information on this and other Hunterdon Healthcare Foundation programs, call 908-788-6141 or visit lightsoflovenj.org.